PHOENIX — The Phoenix Symphony is preparing to resume performances next week, less than three weeks after mounting financial pressure forced the organization to put its 2026-27 season on hold, FOX 10 Phoenix reports.
The symphony’s 66 musicians went without pay for a week beginning Nov. 2. Payments are expected to resume Nov. 9, and musicians are expected to be paid through the end of the year, according to FOX 10.
The board has said leaders cut the operating deficit by 70% through increased fundraising, cost cuts and stronger ticket sales, though donations did not meet expectations. Internal records show the organization had more than $8 million in net assets at the end of 2022, but operating costs have outpaced revenue and donations since then, draining cash reserves, FOX 10 reported.
Musicians held a free benefit concert Sunday evening at Monroe Street Abbey in downtown Phoenix to help offset lost wages and cover costs of returning to the stage.
“We definitely need continued support from the community. There is still a very long road ahead, both financially but also just rebuilding trust between the musicians and particularly our board,” said Bridget Pasker, associate principal cello and orchestra committee co-chair.
“The thing I think we can rely on from all parties involved is that we want this organization to continue and to be able to continue to serve this community,” Pasker said.
The season runs through May. Pasker said the musicians remain committed to bringing world-class music to the Valley as they work with the board to secure funding to finish it.
Sources: FOX 10 Phoenix. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: Radek Grzybowski rgrzybowski / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons.
